Screamin' Jay Hawkins: I Put a Spell on Me

Before Marilyn Manson, David Bowie and Alice Cooper there was Screamin' Jay Hawkings. If you haven't been introduced to the strange, strange world of Screamin' Jay, then this film is a good place to start. For the first time Screamin' Jay is shown as much more than just a gimmick, but as the original and flamboyant artist who invented "theatrical rock".

The film however is not just a straight rock-bio. Although it does have the familiar "rise and fall" factor (how an performer can go from playing concert halls one day to playing "All you can eat rib" joints the next), we also learn about how Jay's loyal following re-discovered him and tried to get him the recognition he deserved, (which he final finds in Greece and Europe).

Although it's a shame that there aren't many of Jay's 50's recordings played on the soundtrack, there still is same amazing live footage from the 50's to his final performances in 2000.

This film isn't just for the fans, it's a truly great look at a man who introduced theatre to rock much longer before it was acceptable or appreciated by the main-stream.

This DVD is a must have for a reel Screamin' Jay fan but, i hate the interruption between every song from his show I don't understand the people who make this DVD. Its the same old story from every artist from the fifties. Always they interrupts a reel good song and give's comments It's o.k to give comments but why between a show or song, why not before or after. I'm glad i see the man himself a few times here in the Netherlands. Screamin'Jay Hawkins was a real great performer whit a great talent often not understand for most people. I listen tho the man back in the fifties on my transistor radio and hear i put a spell on you. from that moment on i try to find every song of him. I think my collection is almost complete. my last sale was the DVD I put a spell on me and I was a little disappointed over the interruptions between his show.

The director adores Screaming Jay. This is not a cold, academic approach to his work. It is the study of a genious by a man who clearly knows what he's doing. The interviews from Jarmush and Diamanda Gallas were great touches and the whole thing plays great - you never get bored with it.

All in all, one of the best documentaries on a cult icon I've seen for years.